FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—  UPDATED WITH LIST OF ORGANIZATIONS 
Contact: Toni Adams, Director of Special Programs, 510-670-7747
Claudia Medina, Communications, 510.670.7754

150 Families in homeless shelters and community agencies to receive holiday support from ACOE Special Programs

December 16, 2009, Hayward – Sheila Jordan, Alameda County Schools Superintendent, will present bikes and trikes and essential living toiletries to agencies and programs that serve homeless families on Friday December 18, 2009. Homeless shelters and community agencies will collect donations at the Alameda County Office of Education, located at 313 West Winton Avenue, Hayward, CA 94544 between 9:00 am and noon.

Donations are made possible with funding provided by the Alameda County Office of Education and the California Department of Education, with support from local businesses-- including gift certificates from Walmart, Costco, Safeway Stores, and 99 Cent stores. The children receiving bikes and trikes will also benefit from a safety helmet donation from Berkeley’s Health and Public Safety Department. Last year Supt. Jordan made an appeal for donations requesting safety helmets and Berkeley’s Health and Public Safety Office generously supported the effort. The donations will provide holiday relief and cheer to 150 families.

“We are pleased to contribute to communities experiencing the most need during this holiday season. I am especially grateful to the organizations who have stepped up to make these donations possible. Our combined collaboration enables a meaningful contribution and provides the possibilities of ongoing support throughout the year. Thank you” –Sheila Jordan, Superintendent, Alameda County Office of Education.

List of Organizations:
• Oakland Elizabeth House, Oakland
• Bessie Coleman Court, Alameda
• GA Turner Ministries, Oakland
• Ariel Outreach, With several locations in Alameda County
• BOSS-Ursala Sherman Village, Berkeley and multiple locations
• FESCO-Harrison House, Hayward and multiple locations
• Emergency Shelter Program, Hayward
• Urojas Community Service, Oakland
• Berkeley Youth Alternatives, Berkeley
• CAL-SAFE, Oakland and Hayward sites

This community donation is one of the numerous ways ACOE contributes back to the community. If your organization would like to identify communities in need, please contact us at 510.670.7754 or visit our website www.acoe.org.

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